August 17, 2009 
In order to avoid hitting or a thrown spear, the human brain requires the ability of processing the 3D motion, and the perception of plastic objects in motion is crucial for survival. On the other hand, it also led to many entertaining 3D movies…
Neuroscientists from the University of Texas, with the use of specially developed computer program and fMRI device (functional magnetic resonance) that scans the brain, have discovered where and how the brain processes 3D movements.
This is happening in the area of the brain behind the ears that was long thought to be responsible for processing two-dimensional movements (up, down, left and right). Area known as MT + is so good studied that scientists previously believed that the 3D movements certainly were processed elsewhere.
“Our research shows that we may have earlier overlooked a large number of important functions related to 3D motion perception in the MT + region. With regard to how many we already know about the region, our study provides strong evidence about how the brain processes 3D movements,” said Alexander Huk, professor of neurobiology and one of the authors of the study. 
For the purposes of the study, Huk and his associates studied the brains of people while watching 3D visualization during immobilized lying one to two hours in the MRI device equipped with modified system of stereo visual projections.
MRI scanning device revealed that the area MT + had intense nervous activity when the participants perceived the objects (in this case, the little dots) that were moving to and from their eyes.
Test has also discovered how MT + area process 3D movements: simultaneously translates two types of signals coming from objects in motion. That leads to a discrepancy between what your left and right eye see, which is called binocular disparity (which can be easily checked by alternately closing left and right eye – you may notice that it seems as if the objects move).
In the case of objects in movement, the brain calculates the change in the discrepancy in time. At the same time, an object that accelerates directly towards the eyes will move over the retina of the left eye from right to left, and through the retina of the right eye from left to right.
“Brain uses both of these ways to add 3D movement, and thereby requires a change in position over time, and sees facing gestures that fall into two retinas. Data processing ultimately happens in the region MT +” adds Huk.
“Who cares if a tiger or a spear move from left to right? For us the important thing is that moving directly toward us. Now, we finally begin to understand where the processing of such movement occurs in the brain,” commented Lawrence Cormack, professor of psychology.
Taken from: www.biologija.com.hr, written by: Jelena Likić